Thomas F. (hardtack) -
All my life I've made a study of leadership, in the hope I would understand how to be a leader. Especially, since during part of my life, I was a a Marine Corps officer leading other Marines in a war zone---Viet Nam.
Unfortunately, my experience is that not all who think they are leaders, even senior military officers, even know how to spell the word.
After reading Donovan Campbell's book, I feel satisfied he is a leader. Hopefully, there are many others like him still serving in the Corps and other branches of our military.
Unfortunately, my experience is that not all who think they are leaders, even senior military officers, even know how to spell the word.
After reading Donovan Campbell's book, I feel satisfied he is a leader. Hopefully, there are many others like him still serving in the Corps and other branches of our military.
Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
I don't usually read books about the military, but I was so impressed with Donovan Campbell when he was interviewed on NPR's Fresh Air that I picked up Joker One. Though the story is told in a very personal way, the book is not really autobiographical in that it focuses more on the members of Campbell's platoon as opposed to the author himself.
There are plenty of descriptions of battles and military tactics, but also many scenes that show the reader what life is like for a Marine in Iraq. Campbell is at his best when he describes the relationships that develop between the men of his platoon, and it is remarkable to witness how the extraordinary circumstances the Marines face allow them to become better soldiers and people. Ultimately Joker One is not a book about war, it is a book about love, honor, and faith.
There are plenty of descriptions of battles and military tactics, but also many scenes that show the reader what life is like for a Marine in Iraq. Campbell is at his best when he describes the relationships that develop between the men of his platoon, and it is remarkable to witness how the extraordinary circumstances the Marines face allow them to become better soldiers and people. Ultimately Joker One is not a book about war, it is a book about love, honor, and faith.
